Optimization of cell growth and TAPS production by Pichia ciferrii mutant in batch culture

Batch culture of mutant derived from Pichia ciferrii ATCC 14091 was investigated for producing the intracellular tetraacetylphytosphingosine (TAPS). Composite experimental design was used to optimize the composition of the culture medium for maximizing the productivity of TAPS. In this experiment, various culture parameters were investigated that were the effects of temperature, the initial culture pH, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, the concentration of trace elements, and the concentration of cofactors. The optimal temperature for cell growth and TAPS synthesis appeared to be %25^{\circ}C$. An initial pH value of 7.5 gave the best results. Under the best condition, the maximum TAPS concentration indicated 7.2 g/L and its productivity was 0.06 g/L-hr in a 2.5 L jar